Binirayan Festival A journey to Antiqueños’ past

HAMTIC, Antique – It started as an idea to rekindle a noble spirit. Guided by local hero, former governor Evelio B. Javier’s vision of hope, the annual Binirayan Festival became a constant reminder of his genuine devotion to the province. It is also during this celebration that the Antiqueños re-affirm its commitment to live up to the ideals of our Malayan ancestors. The Binirayan Festival is a journey to Antiqueños’ past, depicting the arrival and settlement of Malayan chieftains during the 13th century. Through the years, the festival has evolved from a raucous revelry to an indigenous tourism event showcasing Antiqueños’ arts, culture and tourist attractions.

Now on its 31st year, the re-enactment of the friendly barter, is again retold, reminding the Antiqueños of their rich heritage.

The Binirayan, which means "where they landed," is based on the Maragtas legends, about how the Bornean datu led by Datu Puti and Datu Sumakwel fled from the tyranny of Sultan Makatunaw. According to the legend, they first landed in Sirwagan Creek in San Joaquin but found the land not suitable for farming, so they moved farther west and landed in Malandog. At that time Malandog was inhabited by the Ati. The Ati chieftain Marikudo welcomed the 10 Bornean datus and allowed them to stay. Such generosity was gifted with a golden salakot and necklace. This gesture of friendship was later written in books and many literary works as "The Barter of Panay."

The re-enactment of the said legend at Malandog beach was the highlight of the festival. Some 20 colorful boats sailed to Hamtic and was participated in by actors representing the 10 Bornean datus in full Malayan costumes landing in the exact location where the 10 datus originally anchored. Following the re-enactment was the lighting of the eternal flame of freedom at the historical marker in Malandog and a torch parade to Evelio B. Javier Freedom Park.

Other events include the Biray Fluvial Parade; the Bugal kang Antique Awards, which recognized outstanding Antiqueños; the beauty pageant dubbed as Lin-ay kang Antique; and the Pasundayag, an agro-industrial trade fair and food festival featuring the province’s finest products like the famous Patadyong, piña cloth, bags made of buri and bariw, and muscovado sugar.

Unlike past celebrations, this year’s festival saw the recognition of the original settlers, the Ati. "The Antiqueños have come from these noble origins," said Gov. Salvacion Z. Perez. "The Binirayan is one big drama, our set is the sea and this beach in Malandog, and the backdrop are Hamtic’s mountains. This drama is all about friendship and generosity... About the abundance of the land and thanksgiving," she added.

Antique is one the provinces comprising the island of Panay in Western Visayas. It is an elongated stretch of land occupying the whole length of the western side of the island. It is bounded by the mountains of Central Panay on the East and Cuyo East Pass and part of the China Sea, on the West.

Dubbed as "The Cradle of Philippine Civilization," it is endowed with nature’s exquisite spots, sumptuous delicacies, world-class products, and a remarkable cultural heritage.

Other than its verdant mountains, pristine waters and the wide array of adventures it can offer, what’s fascinating is its wild flora and fauna that are said to be endemic in Antique’s mountain ranges. This is also where the world’s largest and tallest flowers can be found, the Rafflesia and Amorphophallus.